An article in today's edition of the Miami Herald about the Miami Dade Commissions' February 19^th first reading of the Domestic Partners and Family Health Coverage Ordinance, makes clear that an important fight is underway.  To read the article, click here.

Five of the Commissioners (Chairman Bruno A. Barreiro, Commissioner Katy Sorenson, Commissioner Sally A. Heyman, Commissioner Audrey M. Edmonson and Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez) have sponsored this landmark ordinance.  It would allow for the registration and recognition of Domestic Partnerships in Miami Dade and provide health insurance eligibility and other benefits to the domestic partners of Miami Dade County employees. Also, unmarried couples that register would have visitation rights for each other, their children and their parents when hospitalized or incarcerated.Support the effort to pass this ordinance and increase access to healthcare for all Miami Dade families.  Please attend the first reading of the Domestic Partner ordinance between 10:00 a.m. and Noon on February 19^th at the Miami Dade Commissioners Chambers at 111 NW 1^st Street.  For a map and information on  getting to the Miami Dade Commission, click here.

Also, please call your Miami Dade Commissioner's office today and tell them the following: "As a registered voter in the commissioners district, I support the passage of the Domestic Partners and Family Health Coverage Ordinance.  Domestic Partnerships recognition and protection make for good policy and stronger communities." To find out who your commissioner is, click here.